Canon PGI-280 and CLI-281 ink cartridges are compatible with select Canon PIXMA TS and TR printers, including both 5-ink and 6-ink models. PGI-280 is the pigment black cartridge used mainly for sharp text and everyday documents, while CLI-281 is the dye-based ink family that includes black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and Photo Blue on selected printers. The two black cartridges serve different printing purposes and cannot replace each other. Most compatible PIXMA models use five ink tanks, while the TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, and TS9120 require a sixth CLI-281 Photo Blue cartridge. Starink offers compatible XXL replacements in Black 2-Pack, 5-Pack, 6-Pack, 10-Pack, and 12-Pack configurations.
Often searched as Canon PG-280 and CL-281 — the official Canon cartridge names are PGI-280 and CLI-281.
Canon PGI-280 and CLI-281 ink cartridges are compatible with PIXMA TS6120, TS6220, TS6320, TS702/TS702a, TS9520/TS9520a/TS9521C, TR7520, TR8520, TR8620/TR8620a, TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, and TS9120 printers. Most of these printers use five ink tanks, while the TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, and TS9120 use six ink tanks and require CLI-281 Photo Blue.
For Starink replacements, printers with five ink tanks can use the 5-Pack or featured 10-Pack; printers with six ink tanks are best matched with the 6-Pack or featured 12-Pack when you need a complete set that includes Photo Blue. If you only need the larger pigment black tank, Starink also offers a PGI-280XXL Black 2-Pack.
Compatibility was reviewed against Canon printer specifications, while page-yield figures reflect Starink's rated specifications for its compatible cartridges. Last reviewed August 7, 2026.
Use the printer model below to confirm whether your PIXMA uses five or six ink tanks. Each model links to its dedicated Starink printer collection, and the recommended sets link directly to the matching product pages.
These PIXMA models use PGI-280 pigment black plus CLI-281 dye black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. They do not use CLI-281 Photo Blue.
These photo-focused PIXMA models use the same five PGI-280/CLI-281 inks plus a sixth CLI-281 Photo Blue tank.
PGI-280 and CLI-281 cartridges are not interchangeable with older PGI-270/CLI-271 or PGI-250/CLI-251 families. Check the exact printer model shown on the control panel, front label, or cartridge compartment before ordering.
Canon PGI-280 and CLI-281 belong to the same multi-cartridge ink family but serve different roles. PGI-280 is the larger pigment black tank used mainly for sharp text on plain paper, while CLI-281 is a dye-based family covering black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and Photo Blue on selected printers. Compatible PIXMA printers use both cartridge types in separate labeled slots, so PGI-280 black and CLI-281 black are not interchangeable.
Canon OEM page yields can vary by capacity tier, ink color, printer model, and testing method. The exact yield figures in this guide are Starink's rated specifications for its compatible XXL cartridges rather than universal Canon OEM figures.
Browse the Canon 280/281 Ink Cartridges collection for the complete Starink family, or browse all Canon compatible ink cartridges if your printer uses a different Canon ink series.
Standard, XL, and XXL cartridges fit the same corresponding PGI-280 or CLI-281 slots; the primary difference is ink capacity. Standard cartridges have the lowest upfront price, while XXL cartridges last the longest and generally offer the lowest cost per page. Availability can vary by color and retailer, which is why Starink focuses on complete XXL multipacks.
Lower initial price and less ink. It may suit very occasional printing, but it generally requires more frequent replacement.
A middle-capacity option. Availability can vary by color and retailer, so it is not always as easy to compare across complete sets.
Extra-high-yield capacity designed to reduce cartridge changes and lower the cost per page for regular printing.
The figures below are Starink-rated yields for each individual compatible PGI-280XXL or CLI-281XXL cartridge. They are not a combined yield for the complete pack.
| Starink Cartridge | Rated Yield |
|---|---|
| PGI-280XXL Pigment Black | Up to 600 pages |
| CLI-281XXL Dye Black | Up to 6,360 pages |
| CLI-281XXL Cyan | Up to 820 pages |
| CLI-281XXL Magenta | Up to 760 pages |
| CLI-281XXL Yellow | Up to 824 pages |
| CLI-281XXL Photo Blue | Up to 9,140 pages |
The 10-pack and 12-pack contain two of each applicable cartridge. Because every ink color is consumed at a different rate, the individual yields should not be added together into one total-page number. Actual results vary with page content, settings, print frequency, paper type, and maintenance cycles.
Use the matrix below to compare exactly how many of each PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL cartridge are included in every Starink pack.
| Option | Pigment BlackPGI-280XXL | Dye BlackCLI-281XXL | CyanCLI-281XXL | MagentaCLI-281XXL | YellowCLI-281XXL | Photo BlueCLI-281XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Pack Black | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5-Pack | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 10-Pack | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 6-Pack | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12-Pack | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
5-/10-Pack omit Photo Blue; 6-/12-Pack include it for compatible 6-ink PIXMA printers.
You need CLI-281 Photo Blue only if your printer is a PIXMA TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, or TS9120. These photo-focused printers use six tanks to improve blue reproduction and transitions in photo output.
These sets include the required CLI-281 Photo Blue cartridge.
All required ink tanks should remain installed in their correct slots. If one tank is empty, missing, or cannot be recognized, the printer may pause the print job and display an ink warning. Replacing or reseating the affected cartridge is the recommended solution.
Keeping a complete spare set helps prevent one empty color from interrupting a document, school project, or photo-printing session.
If the printer displays a cartridge-recognition warning, confirm that all protective material has been removed, gently wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, and reinstall the cartridge firmly.
If recognition problems began after a printer update, see Printer Firmware Update Blocking Your Ink Cartridge? Here's What to Check First.
Compare the complete Starink options first, then browse the product cards below. The 10-Pack and 12-Pack are the featured value choices for regular printing, while the smaller packs suit lighter use.
| Pack | What You Get | Price | Price Each | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Pack | 2 x Pigment Black2 x Dye Black2 x Cyan2 x Magenta2 x Yellow | $32.99 | $3.30 | Regular printing with a 5-ink PIXMA printer |
| 12-Pack | 2 x Pigment Black2 x Dye Black2 x Cyan2 x Magenta2 x Yellow2 x Photo Blue | $34.99 | $2.92 | Regular printing with a 6-ink PIXMA printer |
| Black 2-Pack | 2 x PGI-280XXL Pigment Black | $18.99 | $9.50 | Replacing only the larger pigment black tank |
| 5-Pack | 1 x Pigment Black1 x Dye Black1 x Cyan1 x Magenta1 x Yellow | $24.99 | $5.00 | Occasional printing with a 5-ink PIXMA printer |
| 6-Pack | 1 x Pigment Black1 x Dye Black1 x Cyan1 x Magenta1 x Yellow1 x Photo Blue | $28.99 | $4.83 | Occasional printing with a 6-ink PIXMA printer |
Prices shown are pulled from current Starink product pricing and are listed before the first-order discount.
Browse Starink's full selection of compatible and remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, or learn more about our product standards, support, and commitment to dependable printing.
Send us your printer model, and we'll confirm compatibility before you buy.
Compatible PIXMA models include TS6120, TS6220, TS6320, TS702/TS702a, TS9520/TS9520a, TS9521C, TR7520, TR8520, TR8620/TR8620a, TS8120, TS8220, TS8320, and TS9120. The last four also use CLI-281 Photo Blue.
PGI-280 is pigment black for sharp text on plain paper. CLI-281 black is dye-based for photo and graphics detail. They use different slots and are not interchangeable.
Yes. The TS8220 uses six ink tanks, including CLI-281 Photo Blue. Choose the 6-Pack or 12-Pack when you need a complete replacement set.
No. The TS9520 uses a 5-ink PGI-280/CLI-281 system without Photo Blue, so the 5-Pack or 10-Pack covers the complete 5-ink set.
Starink rates PGI-280XXL pigment black at up to 600 pages; CLI-281XXL dye black 6,360; cyan 820; magenta 760; yellow 824; and Photo Blue 9,140 pages.
Yes, if a working CLI-281 Photo Blue remains installed. The 5-Pack and 10-Pack replace the five shared inks. Choose the 6-Pack or 12-Pack when you need all six inks replaced together.
Yes. Compatible capacities from the same PGI-280/CLI-281 family can generally be mixed as long as each cartridge is installed in the correct color slot.
Choose the PGI-280XXL Black 2-Pack when you only need the larger pigment black tank; the 5-Pack or 10-Pack for printers with five ink tanks; and the 6-Pack or 12-Pack for printers with six ink tanks that require Photo Blue.
Specifications and prices last reviewed: August 7, 2026.
Printer compatibility and the distinction between 5-ink and 6-ink systems reference Canon printer information. Page-yield figures in this guide are Starink's rated specifications for its compatible PGI-280XXL and CLI-281XXL cartridges, not universal Canon OEM yields. Actual yield varies with printed content, printer settings, paper, usage frequency, and maintenance cycles.
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